Last week, 35 Berkeley Divinity School Alumni from across the country met in New Haven to attend the Lake Institute Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) program, June 4-6.

The group, led by Melissa Spas and Gary Dollar, participated in the four seminars, completed selected readings and a final project as well as participated in daily worship and evening programming.  The focus of the ECRF is on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.

Among the attendees was The Rev. Claire Dietrich Ranna ’14, Rector at Christ Episcopal Church of Los Altos, CA, “It was such a joy to meet you and to get to be back here at Berkeley and Yale. I’m so grateful for this week. Thank you for your ministry here.”

Katie Cadigan ’14, added that the course took away much of the apprehension she had about how to fundraise in parish ministry. 

Berkeley hopes to offer similar programming in the future, along with more opportunities for continuing education.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook and keep your profile current for e-news and other outreach.  You can email updated contact information to kira.wishart@yale.edu.

See you in Austin next month!